Federal Charges Filed Against Tesla Cybertruck Arsonist in Arizona, Attorney General PAM BONDI Vows Full Prosecution

Federal charges have been filed against a suspect accused of setting a brand-new Tesla Cybertruck on fire in Arizona, Attorney General PAM BONDI announced on Tuesday. The suspect, identified as IAN MOSES, 35, is alleged to have committed arson at a Tesla dealership in Mesa, Arizona, early Monday morning.

MOSES was initially charged with arson of a structure and property. In addition to allegedly igniting the vehicle, he is accused of writing “THEIF” (sic) on the side of the dealership where the incident occurred. “If you engage in domestic terrorism, this Department of Justice will find you, follow the facts, and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law,” BONDI stated in a post on X. “No negotiating.”

The explosion occurred just before 2 a.m. near the Tesla Service Center in Mesa. Responding officers from the Mesa Police Department found smoke and flames engulfing the Cybertruck. Video footage from affiliate KSAZ-TV captured authorities surrounding the dealership and taping off the charred vehicle.

MOSES was later identified through security photos and was found near a suspicious van in the vicinity. No injuries were reported in the incident.

This attack follows a series of violent incidents targeting Tesla vehicles and charging stations, seemingly in protest against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Earlier this year, a Missouri Tesla dealership was firebombed on April 18, allegedly by a college student on spring break. FBI Director KASH PATEL condemned such actions as “dangerous and illegal,” vowing to hold perpetrators accountable. “We will work with our partners at the Department of Justice to ensure anyone who commits such crimes faces the consequences,” PATEL stated.

The investigation into the Arizona incident is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the full extent of MOSES‘s involvement and potential motives.

[Video: KSAZ-TV footage of the incident](https://www.ksaz.com)
[Source: Mesa Police Department](https://www.mesapd.gov)
[Source: FBI Statement](https://www.fbi.gov)